Want to learn how real estate investors legally avoid capital gains taxes and maximize tax savings? In this episode, Kevin Mathews sits down with CPA and tax expert George Graziano to break down powerful real estate tax strategies every investor should know.

We cover:
✅ What a 1031 Exchange is and how it lets you defer capital gains taxes
✅ Rules for 45-day identification & 180-day closing deadlines
✅ Passive vs. active losses — and how to write them off
✅ Real Estate Professional Status and how it unlocks bigger deductions
✅ Tax implications of short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO)
✅ Vacation homes & mixed-use tax rules
✅ Common tax mistakes real estate investors make
✅ Updates from the latest tax bill that may impact you

Whether you’re buying rental properties, considering an exchange, or running an Airbnb, this episode gives you the insights to reduce your tax bill and keep more of your real estate profits.

📍 Guest: George Graziano, CPA – Tax Plan Pros | Auburn, CA
Email at: george@taxplanpros.biz
Call: (530) 830-1590

🎙️ Host: Kevin Mathews
Email at: kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
Call: (530) 401-3703
https://www.kevinmathews.com

Empire Home Loans Inc. NMLS #234253 & 1839243
DRE #00884691 & 02086593

Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 225, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity.

In this episode of Home and Finance Insights, host Kevin Mathews sits down with CPA George Graziano of Tax Plan Pros (Auburn, CA) to explore how homeownership impacts your income taxes.
With decades of experience in tax planning and preparation, George shares valuable insights into the tax benefits of owning a home, including mortgage interest deductions, general federal rules, and how California tax laws differ from federal regulations. Whether you're a new homeowner or planning your financial future, this episode will help you better understand the tax implications of one of the biggest investments you'll make.
👉 Topics Covered:
Mortgage interest deduction basics


Who qualifies for key tax benefits


Federal vs. California tax rules


Why personalized tax planning matters


🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on homeownership, personal finance, and tax strategies.
📍 Guest: George Graziano, CPA – Tax Plan Pros | Auburn, CA
Email at: george@taxplanpros.biz
Call: (530) 830-1590
🎙️ Host: Kevin Mathews
Email at: kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
Call: (530) 401-3703
https://www.kevinmathews.com

Empire Home Loans Inc. NMLS #234253 & 1839243
DRE #00884691 & 02086593
Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 225, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity.

In this episode of Home and Finance Insights, host Kevin Mathews sits down with seasoned title expert Tim Mikulin to break down the often-overlooked—but crucial—world of title and escrow. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, homeowner, or a real estate professional, this conversation sheds light on the importance of title insurance and escrow, how the escrow process works, and the common title issues that can derail a transaction.

Kevin and Tim also tackle the risks and potential fraud involved in real estate deals, offering practical tips on how to protect yourself and ensure a smooth closing process. With clear explanations and real-world examples, this episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating the home buying journey.

🔑 Topics Covered:

Why title insurance matters

How the escrow process works

Common title problems to watch for

Preventing fraud in real estate transactions

Communication tips for buyers and agents

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Home and Finance Insights: Guest Tim Mikulin
03:07 - Title Insurance and Escrow Explained
06:15 - Real-Life Title Insurance Scenarios
20:29 - Risks in Foreclosure and Tax Sales
23:21 - Choosing a Title Company
26:38 - Common Title Issues
32:54 - Wire Fraud and Security
36:34 - Closing Day Procedures
38:34 - Misconceptions About Closing
40:27 - Final Thoughts for Home Buyers

🔔 Subscribe to Home & Finance Insights for expert tips on homeownership, lending, insurance, and wealth-building.
📧 Contact Kevin: kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
📍 Guest Info:
Tim Mikulin - AVP Sales Executive at Fidelity National Title
tim.mikulin@fnf.com

Kevin Mathews - kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
https://www.kevinmathews.com
Empire Home Loans Inc. NMLS #234253 & 1839243
DRE #00884691 & 02086593

Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 225, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity.